Local children now fill up 80 per cent of international school places according to the latest research from by ISC Research, part of the International School Consultancy Group.

This is a complete reversal to 30 years ago when expat children accounted for the majority of international schools slots.

Rising school fees are only half the battle for expats with children. The bigger challenge in some countries is getting into an international school in the first place.

Nicholas Brummitt, managing director of the International School Consultancy Group, said: “Globally there are insufficient places to satisfy demand from the increasing number of children, both expats and locals. Fees are rising across the board. Where demand cannot be met by existing schools, new international schools appear... The growing trend to send local children to international schools is based on the quality of teaching and learning that many of these schools provide, coupled with an understanding by local wealthier families of the value of an English-medium education.”

Based on fee income alone, the international schools market is currently worth £20.4 billion.

When it comes to geographical breakdown Asia dominates the market with 54 per cent of the total number of international schools...

...Employment within international schools has also increased this year to respond to the expansion of existing schools and the establishment of new ones. This has resulted in a global growth in international school staff to 295,000, supporting more than three million students.

Expat parents face international school fees hike - Telegraph

Hong Kong has seen international schools expanding over the past half-decade, but what does the future hold? If demand is so high, how come Renaissance and Discovery were struggling so badly they had top be adopted by the ESF? Local schools are closing down, will new international schools be taking their place? Could an increase in supply make international school education more affordable?